Jennifer Anne Martinez

Jennifer Anne Martinez of Niwot, Colorado, died December 14, 2008 in Denver from injuries suffered in an automobile accident. She was 19.Jennifer was born on December 7, 1989 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire beneath a crystalline sea sky to Dr. Michael Martinez and Marianne Schaber Martinez. The family moved to the Longmont area in 1992.Jennifer was an enthusiastic, energetic and active student, taking AP and Honors classes, and a member of student council. Lettering in lacrosse, basketball and cross-country, she enjoyed athletics and participating in competitive team sports. She was accepted to St. Mary's College on an academic scholarship. She was a proud member of the St. Mary's College lacrosse team.Jennifer loved life. She was an adamant hiker, avid runner, enthusiastic snowboarder, and a novice but passionate surfer. She loved many types of music and learned the piano at a young age.Jennifer was devout in her faith, attending St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Longmont. She was involved in community service, volunteering and organizing for local charities, including the local Community Food Share. In addition, she created a lacrosse camp to teach and coach young children the sport. Her great heart impacted her family, friends and the community. Her smile radiated joy for life and those around her. Jenny truly loved life.Surviving are her parents; brother, Gabriel Martinez; and sister, Emily Martinez, all of Niwot; grandparents, Fidel and Adela Martinez of Tucson, Arizona, and Jim and Joanne Schaber of Peoria, Illinois; aunts and uncles, Mike and Gina Schaber and Steve and Terri Schaber of Peoria, Marty and Sherri Schaber of Atlanta, Georgia, Annette and Jeff Gutzwiller of Peoria, Andy and Teddi Schaber of Houston, Texas, Matt and Michelle Schaber of Bloomington, Illinois, and David and Anne Martinez of Tucson, Arizona; and many beloved cousins and friends who loved her dearly.A visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 19, 2008, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. A Rosary, led by Jennifer's great aunt, Sister Mary Ann Heyd, will be held at 6:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of Jenny's life at the Martinez home, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 20 at St. John the Baptist with concelebrants, The Reverend Brian Morrow, and Jennifer's great uncle, The Reverend Joseph Heyd. A memorial service will follow the Mass at St. John's beginning at 11:30 a.m. Arrangements and cremation are being handled by Howe Mortuary and Cremation Services, Longmont.Contributions may be made to the Jennifer Martinez Memorial Account (for assistance to children learning the sport of lacrosse), c/o FirstBank of Boulder, 6500 Lookout Road, Boulder, CO 80301.Share your thoughts, memories and condolences at http://jennymartinez3stmarys.blogspot.com/